Page 100 of Viking Vengeance Cruise

“Everything?” I blink her way with surprise.

She nods. “Everything. I’ll come clean to all of you.”

“It’s going to be okay,” I tell her. “Now go climb that hill with your captain.”

“Thank you,” she says, and she squeezes my hand before she goes.

Marina catches up with Wes, and they’re already talking, already laughing at something only the two of them can hear, and Tinsley watches them go with her arms crossed tight enough to wrinkle polyester.

“This isn’t over,” she mutters, then pivots and stalks off toward the elevators as if Tallinn personally offended her.

I watch her go, then glance back at Wes and Marina. They look easy together. So very natural. “It looks over to me,” I muse.

Elodie waves a dismissive hand. “Oh, please. Drama exhausts me. I’m headed into town. A few hours to myself, and I fully intend to take a bite out of the most delicious thing this place has to offer.”

“The desserts?” I ask.

She gives me a look. “The men,” she says, already striding down the gangway.

I’d worry for Estonia, but they’ve survived invasions before.

Ransom pulls me closer. “It’s not over for Marina, is it?”

“Not even close.” I watch her crimson hair bob up the hill beside Wes. “She told me there’s a whole story coming. She just wants a little time to be happy first.”

“And you’re giving it to her.”

“I am.” I lean into him. “She’s still a mystery. But she’s a mystery who’s decided she wants to be known. That’s a start.”

“I’ll keep an eye on her.”

“You won’t have to. Wes has that covered.” I turn into his chest. “Though I do love a man with protective instincts.”

“Someone has to keep this ship safe from chaos.”

“You married the chaos.”

“Best decision I ever made.” He tilts my chin up, his eyes warm. “Ready for the next cruise?”

“Are there going to be any more murders?”

He winces. “I hope not.”

“Then yes. Absolutely ready.”

He kisses me while Tallinn sparkles in the morning sun.

Bess and Nettie wander past us.

“I just want to see the Vikings,” Nettie says.

Bess doesn’t break stride. “Vikings are extinct.”

“Viking descendants, then. Tall, blond, possibly named Sven.”

“We’re in Estonia,” Bess tells her. “Sven is two countries over.”

“Then Estonia better produce a substitute. I’m flexible.”